Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
13 FEBRUARY 1998
Shortly after the unfortunate crash of a private South African aircraft near Nairobi in Kenya, South African High Commissioner Mandla Memela, accompanied by another official, visited the site of the accident.
Despite difficulties experienced due to bad weather and the location of the crash site, the bodies of the nine South African citizens have been retrieved and taken to Lee's Funeral Home in Nairobi. All nine victims were identified on the evening of 14 February 1998 with the assistance of a member of the group who was not on the ill-fated flight.
In accordance with local regulations, post mortems will be performed on Monday 16 February 1998. The Kenyan authorities will release the bodies soon afterwards. An official investigation into the causes of the accident will then be launched.
The South African High Commission in Nairobi will assist with the repatriation of the bodies to South Africa in accordance with normal consular procedures.
The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to thank the Kenyan authorities for their cooperation ans assistance and would like to convey sincere condolences to the families and friends of the bereaved.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA On behalf of the South African High Commission, Nairobi 15 FEBRUARY 1998